While the link between self-harm and suicide has long been recognised, the new study provides detailed figures and analysis.

The report author, Professor Rory O'Connor, told Sky News: "This is the first study of its kind ever conducted in the UK focused on young people, and trying to understand the rates of self-harm and suicide attempts in 18 to 34-year-olds.

"It's a complicated relationship. We don't know exactly how self-harm and suicide interrelate, but what we do know is if you engage in any form of injurious behaviour - suicide attempts or self-harm where you're not at all suicidal - is that your risk of suicide in the future is increased.

"The key message is that often people who engage in self-harm also attempt suicide and vice-versa. It's important that when we think about how we might intervene that we recognise that complexity.

"If you are a clinician, a loved one or a family member and you're concerned about someone, always ask them how they're feeling.